2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review
The
2011 Chevrolet Cruze is Chevrolet’s first true global car, and will have launched in more than 60 countries prior to its United States start of production. Engineers have logged more than 4,000,000 customerlevel durability miles on Cruze, driving in every major continent around the world in every conceivable condition the altitude in the Alps, the heat of Africa and the rough roads of India. Quality you can hear, with refinements aimed at delivering a hushed acoustical environment.
The
2011 Chevrolet Cruze has technology that customers desire not technology for technology’s sake. And that technology is available on lower, more-popular trim levels, unlike the competition. Available USB port, Standard OnStar and XM Radio, available Bluetooth, and available Pioneer 9-speaker sound system. If you look at the competition in the compact segment, you’ll see a wide variety of looks. Some are boxy. Some are futuristic. Some, only a mother could love. The bottom line is that this is a segment where design can be a differentiating feature. With crisp lines and premium execution, Cruze sets itself apart.
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| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
One substantial disconnect between the consumer and Chevrolet is the lack of awareness of the “Best Coverage in America.” We have two new engines on Cruze, and both carry a 5-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. Plus, customers get the benefit of courtesy transportation and roadside assistance. Toyota and Civic can’t match the warranty, can’t match the peace of mind. Quality, Reliability and Durability (QRD) is a top attribute in the compact segment. Good QRD leads to a higher resale value, which equates to a feeling of a good value for consumers. It’s also a key driver in obtaining third-party endorsements, a critical requirement for vehicles in the segment. Cruze was engineered to the highest quality and durability standards, has been tested to stand up around the world, and will challenge Civic and Corolla for the top spot in consumer-perceived QRD.
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| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
The
2011 Chevrolet Cruze boasts two fuel-efficient powertrains, including the 1.4L turbo that helps Cruze achieve up to 40 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy, like QRD, factors heavily in the customer value equation. We like to call it the “frugal factor.” Compact customers are not cheap by nature they just like to get the most for their money, fuel included. The Cruze powertrain story transcends fuel economy. Remember, Cruze is a bigger vehicle, yet it still achieves bestin-class fuel economy over its smaller competitors. The new 1.4L turbo is designed for fuel efficiency, durability and responsiveness, and will be the volume engine for Cruze. Get used to hearing the word turbo when it comes to GM and small cars, as turbos are a big part of future engine programs at General Motors. Turbo engines provide the power of a larger-displacement engine with the efficiency of a small-displacement engine.
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| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze |
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo is part of the same engine family as the Chevrolet Volt, and was developed globally between Germany, Sweden and the U.S. Europe knows turbos, and their expertise in terms of performance and durability played an important role in the development of this engine. Another turbo benefit is usable power or, power available to you at lower ranges. The following chart illustrates how much more usable power the 1.4L turbo has compared to a competitive non-turbo powertrain. Rather than wait to reach a high rpm to gain maximum torque, Cruze delivers that power early on, and sustains it across a wide range of engine speed.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L DOH C I4
Standard and only available on Cruze LS. 136 hp (estimated). 123 lb.-ft. of torque (estimated).
2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L Turbocharged I4
Standard on Cruze LT, Eco and LTZ. 138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm (estimated).148 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,850 rpm (estimated). Cruze Eco with the standard 1.4L ECOTEC® turbo provides an
estimated 40 mpg highway. Estimated 0-60 time in the low 9-second range.
TransmissionsThree 6-speed transmissions help Cruze maximize fuel efficiency
6-speed overdrive manual (Standard on LS). 6-speed manual with triple overdrive eco gearset (standard and only available on Eco). 6-speed automatic (Standard on LT and LTZ; available on LS and Eco).
As a global car,
2011 Cruze was designed to meet safety standards in every country in which it is sold. From damageability tests in Australia to Euro NCAP side pole tests, Cruze met every test, and is the only vehicle to achieve 5-star ratings everywhere it’s sold. With 10 air bags, StabiliTrak and more, Cruze has a superior safety story. Safety isn’t a price of entry when you have the best and for Cruze, it can be a key selling point.
10 air bags, including knee air bags and roof-railmounted curtain air bags with rollover capability. Standard StabiliTrak Stability Control. Standard traction control. Standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
Standard breakaway pedal assembly. Standard Rear Park Assist on LTZ (available on LT and Eco models). Standard OnStar Directions & Connections for six months. Segment-leading safety comes standard. Expected to achieve a 5-star rating in every category the only vehicle in the segment to do so.
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| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Interior |
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that makes the most impact.
2011 Cruze is well equipped in terms of standard equipment, but also offers a host of features that you don’t traditionally find on compact cars. That includes a Pioneer entertainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated leather seats and more amenities of a midsize car for the price of a compact. Plus, content is available on lower, more popular trims, and not just the top of the line.
Allows for iPod or MP3 functionality through the infotainment system, Crisp digital sound with the latest in sports, entertainment and news, all at your fingertips, Includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Hands-Free Calling and more, A complement to careful and sensible driving practices helps make the driver aware of obstacles behind
the vehicle and Warns you if any of the tires fall below the recommended level.
Enables wireless communication inside Cruze and allows you to keep focused on the road, Provides rich premium sound with crystal-clear highfrequency tweeters, live staging center channel speaker,
Maintains constant programmed temperatures byand deep, rich bass from a 6" x 9” subwoofer; Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra do not offer any branded audio system, DVD-based navigation system with seven-inch display Convenient activation to get you where you want to go, Automatic climate control (standard on LTZ models) automatically switching seamlessly between heating and air conditioning modes, and Headlamp delay system Automatically turns headlamps ON during darkness and OFF during daylight. Can also be set to keep the headlamps ON for up to approximately two minutes after leaving the parked vehicle.
Fuel economy is by far the #1 reason for purchase in the compact segment
Cruze Eco achieves its 40 mpg (estimated) rating by utilizing the following features:
- Specially calibrated 1.4L Ecotec turbo engine
- 6-Speed manual transmission with triple overdrive eco- gearset
- Lowered suspension for a more aerodynamic ride height
- Ultra-low-rolling resistance tires mounted to strong, yet lightweight 17-inch forged alloy wheels
- Aero Package with lower front grille air shutter that closes at highway speeds; underbody aero panels; unique dealer-installed front fascia air dam; and rear spoiler
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